The Catalyst Newsletter

The Catalyst is "The Newsletter for Interpretation in California State Parks." In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that starts or speeds up a reaction. Likewise, in The Catalyst you will find thought-provoking, useful and entertaining information that will help your work or fuel a discussion. The Catalyst includes everything from news stories to reflections from interpreters; from ideas for programs and recommendation of tools, to guidance and advice on issues related to interpretation. The Catalyst is published periodically, usually two to four times per year. Since 2006 each issue has focused on a single topic, and has been compiled by a different guest editor. Past issues starting with Spring 2000 are included below.

Read this before downloading documents:

Personal use of the documents made available for download on this site is encouraged. However, no document or any portion thereof may be used for commercial purposes, nor may they be published in any medium or format without prior written permission from the State of California. All commercial rights to use materials made available on this site are reserved by the State of California unless expressly granted otherwise in writing. For commercial use, contact the Interpretation and Education Division at (916) 654-2249 or interp@parks.ca.gov.

Contributor's Guidelines

The Catalyst

welcomes your original articles up to two pages in length. We prefer unpublished material, but will occasionally reprint items published elsewhere. Be sure to include information about the publication so we can get permission to use the material. If you have an article relating to one of the topics listed below, please submit it to the publisher or guest editor. Please include a photograph whenever possible. We really appreciate items submitted on CD or by email in a PDF format. Please send photographs as separate files, not inserted into your document. You may also submit original photographs or other illustrations to The Catalyst. All photos and artwork submitted will be returned promptly. We reserve the right to edit all material. Items are selected for publication solely at the discretion of the publisher and guest editor. We appreciate your suggestions.

For More Information

For more information on The Catalyst or to change your address or request a free subscription, contact:California State ParksInterpretation and Education DivisionPO Box 942896Sacramento CA 94296-0001phone: 916 654-2249email: interp@parks.ca.gov

Related Pages

In 2001, The Catalyst was awarded a Silver Award by the California State Information Officers Council (SIOC). The awards competition honors employees of state agencies and departments for their achievements in media relations, internet design, audio-visual productions, and more. The judges noted that The Catalyst was especially deserving of an award because it has no budget and no staff--the editors and contributors find time for it outside of their regular duties. Congratulations to editor Brian Cahill, the Catalyst Committee, and its many contributors!